"And He said, 'What have you done? The voice of your brother's blood cries out to Me from the ground. So now you are cursed from the earth, which has opened its mouth to receive your brother's blood from your hand. When you till the ground, it shall no longer yield its strength to you. A fugitive and a vagabond you shall be on the earth.'" Genesis 4:10-14
Periscoping the spiritual topography of the church today, what the Holy Spirit whispers to me is that both leaders and followers are operating in a vagabond spirit. Ministers trying to outshine themselves in the name of ‘new revelation’ confusing the laity. Bloggers, skit makers, content creators, comedians and individuals find it easy to ridicule, malign spiritual fathers of faith with impunity. The principle of giving offering, tithing and donation to advance God’s work is obsessively, loudly criticized and ridiculed as a result many refuse to give God proper offering. Fuelled by Covid-19, people find it difficult now to physically attend services pretending to be online at the detriment of feeding their soul. We need to desperately retrace our steps. There is a need to apply the reset button, apply the brakes.
The story of Cain in the Bible provides a compelling lesson about the dangers of disobedience, sin, disregard and separation from God. Found in Genesis 4:1-16, it highlights the consequences of rejecting God’s ways and the spiritual state often referred to as the "vagabond spirit." This term represents a condition of wandering, instability, and disconnection from God’s presence and purpose. it's like God saying to Cain-just get out of my sight! Are you out of God’s sight? The Holy Spirit will help us explore how Cain fell into this state, the characteristics of the vagabond spirit, and how we can avoid it in our spiritual journey.
What is a Vagabond Spirit?
In Genesis 4:12, God declares to Cain, “You will be a fugitive and a vagabond on the earth.” This curse came after Cain murdered his brother Abel out of jealousy and anger. A vagabond spirit epitomises and symbolizes spiritual wandering, where a person becomes restless, aimless, and detached from the stability that comes from walking with God. You have a vagabond spirit when you can no longer pray, serve God with passion, go to church. You have a vagabond spirit when all you do is never see anything good about church and all you do is criticize people doing their best for God.
Cain’s Journey into the Vagabond Spirit
1. Disobedience to God’s Instructions
Cain’s trouble began with his offering to God. While Abel offered the firstborn of his flock, Cain brought some of the fruits of the soil. The Bible notes that God respected Abel's offering but rejected Cain's (Genesis 4:3-5). Cain’s offering was not in line with God’s expectations, indicating disobedience. If those who gave improper offerings were made vagabond what do you think will happen to those who totally reject God or sponsor God courses? Disobedience to God’s commands always opens the door to separation and instability. Proverbs 14:12 warns, “There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death.” Justify your actions the way you want, God is the one to mark your script not you! Not Amos Dada. Not your pastor or General Overseer.
2. Unchecked Sin and Anger: When God rejected Cain’s offering, He gave Cain a chance to correct his ways. God said, “If you do well, will you not be accepted? And if you do not do well, sin lies at the door. And its desire is for you, but you should rule over it” (Genesis 4:7). Cain ignored this warning. Instead of addressing his anger and envy, he allowed it to grow until it led to murder. This lack of self-control set him on the path of destruction. You hear sermons daily even if it is online, but it never changes you. Kaka ko san fun iya aja o fi gbobo omo bi obiring eye nyi lu eye. You simply refuse to improve your relationship with God.
3. Rejection of Repentance
Even after murdering Abel, Cain did not show remorse or repentance. When God confronted him, he responded with defiance, saying, “Am I my brother’s keeper?” (Genesis 4:9). His unrepentant heart further deepened his separation from God. As a result, Cain was cursed, and the ground would no longer yield its strength to him. This curse marked the beginning of his life as a wanderer. Have you sat down to ask yourself, am I better off owing 90% of my earnings after giving to God or worse with my 100% after disobeying God? Going from church to God seeking for one prophet or the other, drinking anointing oil, putting a mantle on your head, buying holy water will not help you if you will not do what God tells you to do. Medicine for skin diseases is not the same as cancer, one is outside one is inside.
Characteristics of the Vagabond Spirit
1. Separation from God’s Presence
The ultimate tragedy of Cain’s actions was his separation from God. Genesis 4:16 says, “Cain went out from the presence of the Lord and dwelt in the land of Nod.” A vagabond spirit is marked by a loss of intimacy with God, leading to spiritual disorientation.
2. Instability and Aimlessness
Cain became a fugitive, constantly wandering without purpose or direction. This represents the restlessness of a soul disconnected from God. Those under the vagabond spirit often feel unfulfilled, lacking the peace that comes from walking in alignment with God’s will.
3. Fruitless Efforts
God’s curse ensured that Cain’s labor would be unproductive. A vagabond spirit often manifests as frustration and failure in life’s endeavors. When we stray from God, our efforts can lack the blessing and favor that come from His guidance.
Avoiding the Vagabond Spirit-my plea!
Obedience is the foundation of a stable and fruitful spiritual life. Jesus said, “If you love Me, keep My commandments” (John 14:15). By aligning our actions with God’s Word, we remain connected to His presence and purpose. God warned Cain to rule over sin before it consumed him. Similarly, we must deal with sin-the transgression of law - promptly through repentance. 1 John 1:9 assures us, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” The key to avoiding aimlessness is maintaining a vibrant relationship with God. This involves consistent prayer, fasting, worship, and studying His Word attending services regularly. Psalm 16:11 reminds us, “In Your presence is fullness of joy; at Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.” Cain’s pride prevented him from heeding God’s warning and seeking forgiveness. A humble heart that submits to God’s correction avoids the pitfalls of rebellion and wandering. What do you need to change in your marital, business, social, physical, financial and spiritual relationship? Do it, by all means avoid a vagabond spirit.
Redemption Through Christ
The good news is that Jesus Christ offers redemption from every curse, including the vagabond spirit. Galatians 3:13 declares, “Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us.” Through His sacrifice, we are restored to a life of purpose, stability, and fruitfulness. By walking in the Spirit, we can avoid spiritual wandering and live a life directed by God’s will (Romans 8:14).
Conclusion
The story of Cain serves as a powerful reminder of the consequences of giving God left overs, tips instead of giving God your best. Giving is not only about money. To avoid the vagabond spirit, we must choose obedience, deal with sin of covetousness, greed, corruption, disregard for spiritual things promptly, and stay connected to God’s presence.
Through Christ, we are no longer wanderers but children of God, called to live purposeful and fruitful lives for His glory. Let us strive to walk in alignment with Him, ensuring that our spiritual journey leads to eternal fellowship with our Creator. God avoided the lineage of Cain to perpetuate humanity; he chose the lineage of Seth. Vagabond spirit leads to extinction and destruction, in all spheres of life AVOID IT!
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Pastor Amos Dada PhD, P.Eng.
Zonal Superintendent Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) Canada Zone
Chairman, CAC Men's Association, North America
Dean, Christ Apostolic Church North America Bible Institute
